Flights from China to Hobart could could commence as early as next February, Hobart’s Lord Mayor has told the Hobart Mercury.

Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority chairman and Damon Thomas, who is also the Tasmanian capital’s Lord Mayor, said he was confident a deal with China Southern Airlines would go ahead.

He said it would take a coordinated approach from governments and stakeholders to turn the “probability” into “a reality”.

“My view is that it’s a necessity and I’m willing to work with anybody to make it happen because there are going to be so many advantages from it including freight uptake,” he told The Mercury.

“I respect the fact that there are a number of players but we need a consolidated approach and the goodwill needs to be translated into some practical solutions because the world is seeking connection with us. But we can do this because we have the best place in the world to sell.”